We marked World TB Month under the theme “Led by Communities. Powered by Innovation.” Across our programmes, we used the month to put people, research and real-world impact at the centre of the TB conversation.
TB Diagnostics Have a Face
Our TB Diagnostics Have a Face campaign brought the human side of TB diagnosis into focus through four short stories featuring people working across the TB response.
TB survivor and Aurum CAB member Hannie Stevenson opened the campaign with a powerful reminder: “TB is not a death sentence. A late diagnosis is.” Her story was followed by community engagement manager Blossom Napoleon, who highlighted why communities must help shape diagnostic solutions; Prof Violet Chihota, who spoke to the urgency of getting new diagnostics to the people who need them; and partner nurse Sello Mavimbela, who showed how early diagnosis can connect patients to care sooner.
The campaign showcased Aurum’s work through RADxAR TB and DriveDx4TB TOO, highlighting the role of communities, evidence and innovation in improving access to timely TB diagnosis.
World TB Month also featured:
- IMPAACT4TB: The On the Red Couch podcast explored community engagement, market access and expanding access to TB preventive treatment.
- DRTB-HDT: Consortium members reflected on the close-out of the five-year study and why the research mattered for the future of drug-resistant TB. Watch here: https://youtu.be/KjIDk48ulD0?si=TY8Yzto8htksxsMb
- TB Think Tank: Stakeholders came together to discuss priorities for South Africa’s TB response, with members sharing World TB Day messages. Watch Here: https://youtu.be/QGJJqVcuddg?si=bqA5KhMX1cpzQyLm
- ProTB: The programme’s work in Nelson Mandela Bay and Sarah Baartman was highlighted as it strengthens TB case finding and treatment.